Clamping terminal



A g- 1929- c. F. JAcoBs 1,724,763

CLAMPING TERMINAL Filed May 6, 1927 E5 v INVENTOR M I (I l/1121.68 FJ/woas ATTORNEY Patented Aug. 13, 1929.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES F. JACOBS, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.

CLAMPING Application filed May 6,

This invention relates to clamping devices and has particular reference to an improved device for use as a clamping terminal such as used on storage batteries or the like.

Primarily the invention comprehends an improved clamping terminal which insures a positive electrical connection while greatly facilitating the connection or disconnection.

The invention furthermore comprehends an improved clamping terminal of the character set forth which is comparatively simple in its construction and mode of use, which is economical to produce, and which i thoroughly reliable and highly efliclent in its purpose.

lVith the above recited and other objects in view, reference is had to the following description and accompanying drawings in which there is exhibited one example or embodiment of the invention, while the appended claims define the scope of the invention.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a perspective view of the clamping terminal as employed in its capacity as a storage battery terminal;

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view therethrough taken approximately on the line indicated at 22 in Fig. 3;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken approximately on the line indicated at 33 in Fig. 2.

Referring to the drawings by characters of reference, the clamping terminal includes a pair of resilient arms 10 and 11, which are crossed intermediate their length and are formed respectively with clamping jaws 12 and 13 at the free ends, the confronting faces of which are serrated, as indicated at 14 to more effectually grip and establish an electrical connection between the device and a conductor wire terminal 15 or other element with which the device is connected. In order to augment the inherent resiliency of the arms 10 and 11, to effect movement or advancement of the serrated confronting faces 14 with each other, a coiled contractile spring 16 is employed, the opposite ends of which are respectively attached to the crossed portions of the arms adjacent the jaws. To cover, house, and conceal the spring, the jaw 12 is formed with a preferably integral spring housing 17, which is disposed immediately below the jaw 12 and which housing further constitutes astop or abutment for preventing the forcing of the TERMINAL.

1927. Serial No. 189,318.

wire terminal 15 or other elementcompletely beyond the lower edges of the jaws. The upper corners of the confronting faces of the jaws are rounded off to define a flared entrance mouth 18 which facilitates the engagement of the wire terminal 15 between the jaws." In order to facilitate the spreading or separation of the jaws for removing the wire terminal or other device to be clamped, the jaws 12 and 13 are each provided with a laterally projecting manipulating handle 19 protruding from the opposite sides of the jaws respectively, and which handles are designed to be engaged by the thumb and forefinger.

In use, the wire terminal 15 is grasped in the two hands and forced downwardly through the flared entrance mouth 18 until it is engaged between. the serrated confronting faces 14 of the aws 12 and 13. This immediately establishes a positive and effectual electrical connection and serves to hold the terminal again st accidental displacement due to the inherent resiliency of the arms 10 and 11 combined with the auxiliary tension of the spring 16, for normally moving the aws toward each other and holding the same in a clamping relation. lVhen it is desired to remove the wire' terminal 15 from between the jaws, the thumb is engaged with the manipulating handle of the jaw 12 and the forefinger with the manipulating handle of the jaw 13, and pressure is exerted in opposite directions by said thumb and finger to open the jaws.

Vhat is claimed is:

1. A clamping terminal for electric con-v ductors including a supporting base, a pair of crossed resilient arms anchored at one end to and straddling said supporting base and having jaws at the free ends provided with confronting normally engaged clamping faces, and a coiled contractile spring connected respectively with the crossed portions adjacent the free ends of said arms for augmenting the normal movement and engage ment of the confronting faces of the jaws with each other.

2. A clamping terminal including a pair of crossed resilient arms anchored at one end to a support and having jaws at the free ends provided with confronting normally engaged clamping faces-and a coiled contractile spring connected respectively with said arms for augmenting the normal movement and engagement of the confronting faces of the jaws with each other, one of said arms having a spring housing for said spring located immediately below the inner end of the jaw and underlying the other jaw to constitute a stop or abutment for the element engaged between the jaws.

3. A clamping terminal including a supporting base, a pair of crossed resilient arms anchored at one end to and straddling said supporting base and having ja'ws at the free ends provided with confronting normall engaged clamping faces, the said jaws respectively provided with a laterally projecting manipulating handle on opposite sides of the jaws respectively for facilitating inanual opening of the jaws.

4. A clamping terminal for electric conductors including a supporting base, a pair of crossed resilient arms anchored at one end to said supporting base and having coinpleinentary jaws at the free ends provided with confronting normally engaging clamping faces and means immediately below the inner end of one of the jaws and underlying the other jaw to constitute a stop for preventing the passage of the conductor beyond the clamping jaws when engaging the same therebetween.

CHARLES F. JACOBS. 

